Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a Sony ST-S707ES AM/FM tuner. It is in beautiful shape for being so old and I love it. I use a URC MX-980 for control. This model did not come with a remote. Using the IR Database Navigator in CCP, I have control over all the presets. I am still looking for power and tuning +/- for manual tuning, but I am coming up short. I tried the Inteset universal remote that I have used in the past, but that did not work either. A member in a Sony ES Facebook group suggested purchasing a Logitech Harmony. Anyone here had experience with this tuner?

Thanks again!

Pete

That was an enthusiast device. When new, it didn't come with a remote. And it didn't have Sony's S-Link connector in the back either (popular at the time with other Sony devices to link together for control).

Your best option for still finding a power control solution, will rely on the old 'System Power Commands' that Sony used during the 90's. It was a generic OFF & ON command that all Sony devices would respond to. So sending the 1 System Power OFF command would cause multiple device to shut off (TV, Amp, VCR, etc.). And similar for the System Power ON command.
It might respond to those power commands.

In the URC database, go under AVR's and Amplifiers. Go to Sony, scroll to the bottom with just the #codes for database entries [Sony 1 thru 107]. Go thru all 107, testing each one (I would make a test file on the MX980, with 107 devices and go thru them all in 1 shot).
If the 707ES doesn't respond to any of those power commands (or tuning commands for the ones that have it), then the device simply does not respond to any IR codes for those features.

You can use a remote AC outlet, to shut power off to the 707ES. Although it probably doesn't turn back on when power is restored, so still has to be turned back on manually.

Thanks! I am going to work on it tonight. The help here is always amazing!

Just an update..

Your post inspired me. I went through all 107. While I did not find power, I did find manual tuning +/- and the toggle between manual and stereo. Unfortunately, it looks like I will be getting off of the couch to turn the unit on and off, but I can't have everything. I just can't see how wasting money on a Harmony remote will produce any different result. Thank again!

Pete

URC's database on Sony codes (especially the old codes) is pretty complete. I would be beyond amazed if the Harmony database (which is very good) had some old Sony codes that URC didn't.

With the 707ES turned on; pull power to it, wait a minute and plug it back in. See if it comes back on or if it powers up in an off state. If it comes back on when plugged in, try unplugging it for an hour to make sure it comes back on when plugged in (if it was on when unplugged). If it does, you can use a switched outlet to turn it off & on.

I have used these with success in the past. Plug your amp into the Control outlet and when you turn your amp off & on, it will switch the other outlets off & on. (Amp has to draw at least 7+ watts when on, to trigger the switch).
[Link: amazon.com]

I had a Sony "Rack" wooden cabinet system in the early 90s that had separate tuner, cd, tape, etc. There was no power button on the IR remote for the individual components. I actually still have an ES CD changer from the mid 90s and it does not have IR power. The only way these devices turned on/off from a remote was if it was connected to a Sony receiver with s-link. The power button on the front does not put it into standby it actually kills all power to the unit. I believe your 707 is from this same era of devices.

I don’t have any experience with this unit. I’d be tempted to see if any commands, such as a station preset will power-up the unit. I use a similar trick to create a discrete Power OFF command for disc players. PLAY will usually power-up the unit. Therefore a discrete power-down becomes a PLAY, POWER macro.

Thanks for the input everyone. I tried using station presets and other functions of the tuner to power it on and I had no luck. I have a similar power issue with my older ES cd player. I tried play and other functions top power the unit on and again no luck. I even went and blew money on a Harmony remote (suggested from another group) with no luck. I am now reselling it. I am starting to believe S-Link was the way to go back then. Anyway, I have resigned myself to getting off the couch to turn both units on as the way to go. I really appreciate everyone's time.

Take Care..Pete